The story of the Heinzelmaennchen, the mythical house gnomes of Cologne, is a beloved piece of folklore in this part of Germany. As the legend goes, the Heinzelmaennchen were tiny creatures who lived in Cologne in the early 1820s. These kind gnomes were hardworking folk who performed tasks for the people of the city while they slept at night. They scrubbed floors, polished shoes, baked bread, and did all the chores the households of Cologne were too busy to manage. The people of the city gratefully left out food for these magical beings as a token of their thanks. Peace and prosperity flourished in the city because of the diligence of these tireless gnomes. However, the tranquility wouldn’t last forever. One curious tailor’s wife decided she needed to see these unseen benefactors and devised a plan. One night, she scattered peas on the kitchen floor, causing the gnomes to slip and make their presence known. Feeling betrayed, the gnomes left Cologne forever. Since then, the city offers a tribute to the Heinzelmaennchen during Christmas through delightful markets named after them. This piece of Cologne folklore continues to entertain and delight, reminding all of the rewards of hard work and the consequences of curiosity and ingratitude.